March 2019 CT Stationing Challenge
As you’ll see, this winter has been a challenge. My work area and most of my objects are under snow. Besides that, packed snow is now ice, and melting makes puddles. So slippery! All I’ve done for the past 3 months, along with absolutely nothing but feeding, is have the horses (1) come to me when I squat on the ground, and (2) casual connection time (hanging out together). Lots of that and, boy, has it paid off!
Standing on a board or platform is not a challenge so I used a saddle pad. I employed the target to focus the horses’ attention on the area of the pad and had high value treats, carrots and cookies, for putting a foot or feet on it. Jalila finds the target irresistible, Shiraz, not so much, but she does love to come to me when I squat down.
The milestones for each of us in this video aren’t about stepping on the pad. Our progress is remarkable:
As you’ll see, this winter has been a challenge. My work area and most of my objects are under snow. Besides that, packed snow is now ice, and melting makes puddles. So slippery! All I’ve done for the past 3 months, along with absolutely nothing but feeding, is have the horses (1) come to me when I squat on the ground, and (2) casual connection time (hanging out together). Lots of that and, boy, has it paid off!
Standing on a board or platform is not a challenge so I used a saddle pad. I employed the target to focus the horses’ attention on the area of the pad and had high value treats, carrots and cookies, for putting a foot or feet on it. Jalila finds the target irresistible, Shiraz, not so much, but she does love to come to me when I squat down.
The milestones for each of us in this video aren’t about stepping on the pad. Our progress is remarkable:
- Jalila is relaxed.
- Shiraz is engaged, happy, and confident.
- I’m having fun.